Handover directors in Macau
Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio and Vice-Premier Qian Qichen arrived in Macau yesterday ahead of talks on the transition to Chinese administration.
Mr Sampaio, on a five-day visit, said the transition was 'not a time for perplexity and anxiety'.
'It is a time of confidence - confidence in the strength of Macau's culture and identity.' Mr Qian said he hoped his two-day visit would strengthen Sino-Portuguese relations.
He claimed Macau's crime problems had been blown out of proportion by the media. He said it was still safe and peaceful, although the visits are taking place under tighter security than previous visits by high-ranking officials.
The two men will meet at the Macau Government Palace this morning.
It is Mr Sampaio's second visit to Macau and possibly his last before the handover on December 19. He was welcomed yesterday by about two dozen East Timorese refugees.
